MBR Issue 45
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Malta Business Review<br />
COVER STORY INTERVIEW<br />
A Growth Mindset<br />
By Martin Vella<br />
As fast fashion continues being fuelled by the latest celebrity looks that mirror seasonal trends dictated by high-end designers, agile retail is<br />
an emerging industry driven by smart data as the primary tool for predicting current and future style trends, turning ecommerce retailers into<br />
on-demand platforms that identify, stock and deliver desired looks direct-to-consumer, Diane Izzo stepped up to the podium of Maltese fashion<br />
retail, where her brand retail expansion took off, and she was about to drive bonds through public shares. In a rare interview, Diane discusses<br />
the company’s past and present growth, what it takes to hire good people, and how she fosters dialogue with customers and employees.<br />
<strong>MBR</strong>: You started your career with Dizz<br />
Group in an entry-level position 18 years<br />
ago. How did you work your way to the<br />
top spot in Maltese fashion and blend<br />
in with Malta’s leading and innovative<br />
entrepreneurs?<br />
DI: Well, when I actually started my career<br />
the DIZZ Group concept was not even<br />
contemplated. I started the business after<br />
a holiday overseas during which I saw a<br />
Terranova store and decided to take on<br />
the great challenge of leaving my job and<br />
trying my best at running my own business.<br />
The way to the top was a tough, long, yet<br />
satisfying challenge. It may sound rhetoric,<br />
but I really gave everything I had during<br />
these years. Looking back now I certainly<br />
have no regrets.<br />
<strong>MBR</strong>: What is an event in your past that<br />
helped define your professional values?<br />
DI: More than an event, I feel it was the<br />
teachings I received from my father<br />
and grandfather which have helped me<br />
professionally. They were my inspiration.<br />
My husband Karl and my sisters Denise and<br />
Daniela have been my closest collaborators<br />
throughout my career. So, I would say that<br />
family has shown me the values I live by.<br />
<strong>MBR</strong>: How are you strengthening<br />
relationships with customers and<br />
distributors?<br />
DI: I have always run my business in a very<br />
much hands on way and have constantly<br />
made it a point to be the person of reference<br />
to our suppliers. Over the years, some have<br />
become close family friends. Ties have<br />
grown stronger. The friendship has also left<br />
its mark on the way we do business and we<br />
have created an understanding in the way<br />
we approach our business with together.<br />
With regards to our customers, we ensure<br />
"I have always run my<br />
business in a very much<br />
hands on way and have<br />
constantly made it a<br />
point to be the person<br />
of reference to our<br />
suppliers.<br />
we offer a great selection, fair prices and a<br />
perfect in-store service in order to create a<br />
bond which leads to loyalty on both sides.<br />
Diane Izzo<br />
6
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